Assam: Former ULFA leader Amar Singh arrested in Nagen Neog murder case

Guwahati: Former ULFA leader Amar Singh was arrested by a CBI team from Kolkata on Friday night from his residence in Golaghat, Assam in connection with former minister, Nagen Neog's murder.

The arrest is related to the 1996 murder case of former Assam minister Nagen Neog and eight others.

Amar Singh alias Arup Konwar, known as a former self-styled sergeant major of ULFA, was previously convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the district and sessions court, Kamrup, on October 12, 2007.

Also Read: Assam Rifles “stops” Mizoram minister’s convoy, sparks political row

However, the Gauhati High Court in 2013 set aside his conviction, citing a lack of evidence beyond reasonable doubt.

The CBI, which investigated the case, then moved to the Supreme Court.

Amar Singh was arrested after he allegedly evaded summons notices from the Supreme Court, leading to a warrant being issued.

Also Read: CBI begins investigation into Assam online trading scam

According to reports, Amar Singh will be taken through transit remand on Saturday and produced in court in Kolkata before being taken to Delhi for the case hearing in the Supreme Court.

The case dates back to May 6, 1996, when Neog's convoy was ambushed by suspected ULFA militants at Singijan bridge under Golaghat police station, resulting in the deaths of Neog, his driver, and police escorts.

The CBI chargesheet named Amar Singh, Ananta Saikia and Pranjal Saikia as accused, with the latter two declared absconders.

The investigation, initially handled by Assam police, was later transferred to the CBI in response to a PIL filed by Tukeswar Neog, the slain minister's brother.